Rafael Nadal has said he will have to be at the top of his game to defeat
Jurgen Melzer today and claim a place in the French Open final.

Rafael Nadal is the overwhelming favourite for his fifth Roland Garros title.

For the first time in his career, the Spaniard will not need to beat arch-rival Roger Federer to lift the Coupe des Mousquetaires after the world No 1's shock quarter-final exit at the hands of Robin Soderling.

Second seed Nadal accepts the absence of Federer makes his task easier, but he also stressed that anyone who reaches the last four of a Grand Slam will not be a push over.

Nadal, who will usurp Federer as world No 1 if he wins Sunday's final, said: "He (Melzer) is playing unbelievably. He played against David Ferrer - I saw him in the match.

"A big comeback against Djokovic, playing a high level. I saw him at the end of the match playing very aggressively, serving well.